Upper Mustang Tour in Nepal is a remarkably ideal tour to the thrilling off-road mountains with spectacular scenery of unique desert landscapes and exotic beauty for the adventurous travelers and nature lovers. This amazing tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the interesting topographies of Upper Mustang as well as how locals live and their culture.
Upper Mustang Tour is an extraordinary tour package for travelers who are adventure seekers, nature lovers, historians, geologists, and pilgrims. They need special permits to explore the Upper Mustang. There are alternatives to the Upper Mustang Tour that offer an amazing way to discover the hidden beauty of this place.
Upper Mustang Trek offers travelers the opportunity to explore and enjoy the unique desert landscapes, arid climate, old monasteries and temples, and exceptionally built caves. A trek to Upper Mustang is a completely different experience from the Upper Mustang Tour, as travelers walk slowly, enjoying nature, topography, and food. During the tour, jeeps are a mode of transportation to reach the different places in a short time. While on trek, you walk through dusty off-roads, small hills, caves, monasteries, and villages. They stay in the guesthouses and enjoy the local food or some Western foods such as noodles, fried rice, sandwiches, etc.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back is a completely different option from the Upper Mustang Tour. You choose to trek to the Upper Mustang, passing through the beautiful settlements, ancient monasteries, and the hidden kingdom of Lo Manthang. The landscape is dry, surrounded by soaring mountains and beautiful snowcapped peaks. Riding in a 4WD makes your trip easier, but trekking allows you to visit and learn about the lifestyles, cultures, and traditions of local people here.
Trek to Upper Mustang for 13 days with a drive back gives you mixed feelings of trekking and touring. Trekkers can spend time in villages while on trek and acknowledge the Tibetan lifestyle, enjoy the traditional food items, and explore the mysterious caves.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Permits | Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS |
| Group Size | 2+ Travelers |
| Start/End | Pokhara |
| Accommodation | Hotels, Guesthouses, and Teahouses |
| Meals | Nepalese food items (rice, daal, curry, pickle) |
| Transport | 4WD Vehicle |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Best Time | March–May and September–December |
The Upper Mustang Tour is perfect for travelers who are fond of adventure and nature in the Himalayas. The "Last Forbidden Kingdom" of Upper Mustang offers a unique combination of desert landscapes, old monasteries, ancient caves, and awesome mountain views. Photographers, adventure lovers, and explorers enjoy this tour and experience the untouched beauty of Upper Mustang.
Recreation Holidays is an ideal choice for this tour to Upper Mustang, as we believe in a well-organized tour plan with all required documentation to ensure your tour is hassle-free.
“Experience the mystical beauty of Mustang at any time of the year.”
The uniqueness of this Upper Mustang Tour is that the tour or trek can be done during the monsoon season because Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of Nepal. However, the best time is during Spring season, which falls during March to May, and Autumn season during September to November.
| Season | Months | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Weather Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – May | 12°C to 20°C | -2°C to 5°C | Clear skies, mild temperature, blooming landscapes | Best trekking season |
| Summer / Monsoon | June – August | 18°C to 25°C | 5°C to 10°C | Dry compared to other parts of Nepal, windy afternoons | Great for Upper Mustang trek |
| Autumn | September – November | 10°C to 18°C | -3°C to 5°C | Stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views | Peak trekking season |
| Winter | December – February | 0°C to 10°C | -10°C to -2°C | Cold, snowy, strong winds in high areas | Less recommended |
Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal. Hence, it requires a Restricted Area Permit that can only be arranged by a registered trekking/tour company. A licensed trekking guide is mandatory for all travelers. Permit fees may slightly vary due to the exchange rates and updated regulations implemented by the government.
| Permit Name | Cost (Foreign Nationals) | SAARC Nationals | Validity | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) (applicable only through company/agency) |
USD 50 per day | USD 50 per day* | Based on itinerary days | Mandatory |
| ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) | NPR 1,000 | Entire tour | Mandatory |
| TIMS Card (if applicable through company/agency) |
NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | NPR 1,000 | Single tour | Mandatory |
* Exchange Rate Reference: USD 1 = NPR 149
Experience the hidden kingdom of Mustang in comfort with an overland adventure. Travel through dramatic landscapes, ancient villages, and unique Himalayan culture without long trekking days.
Upper Mustang Jeep TourThe start of this Mustang Tour begins in Pokhara. Pokhara is a famous tourist hub, which is the starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and many more. We pick you up from your hotel and drive from Pokhara heading to Kagbeni. The journey covers approximately 160km distance taking 8-9 hours’ drive depending upon the road and weather conditions. The roads are paved and rough on and off, making it a bumpy ride. However, there are stunning landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, greenery, and the heart-soothing views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. Once you arrive at Kagbeni, you will start feeling the chilling wind of the mountains. Kagbeni is a beautiful village, situated at an elevation of 2804 meters. This is the gateway to Upper Mustang because everyone must pass through here. Here is a checkpoint where you need to present your special permits and other documents if required to show. Speaking of the weather, it is generally mild and hot during the day, but cooler and windy evenings and nights.
Kagbeni is a beautiful village surrounded by giant mountains, which is the entry point to the restricted Upper Mustang region. It is about 45 to 55 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours to drive, including sightseeing stops. The rocky roads in the Himalayan desert with amazing river valleys, dry cliffs, and arid climate are the particular features of this region. The temperature drops significantly in the afternoon. Off-road sections of this trip become more pronounced after Kagbeni village. You will visit the Dzong fort on the way and then arrive at historic Charang Village.
Upon arriving in Charang, you will encounter the old monastery where old paintings are painted on the inner walls. Similar pictures can be found in every village. The local people attend the ceremonies and prayers held in the monastery and continue living in their own ways.
After breakfast, get ready for a short drive of about 2-3 hours to Lo Manthang, the legendary ancient kingdom of Mustang. The roads are still rough and dry, passing through the high deserts. Along the way, you will be in awe after viewing the amazing landscapes of the barren Himalayan Mountains as well as the beautiful chortens, prayer walls, and traditional villages. Once you enter Lo Manthang, you can tour around its amazingly built red walls, the royal palace, monasteries, and enjoy the delicious food in the hotels around here. The Jampa Gompa is the oldest one and known as "God House," while there is a big red meeting hall and temple called the Thubchen Gompa in the southwest of Jampa Gompa. There is a new Gompa named Choprang Gompa, and the Chodey Gompa is in the main city temple.
It is quite hot but windy during the daytime, but much cooler in the mornings and evenings. As altitude increases, you will experience stronger winds and feel drier. Always stay hydrated. Local people here have discovered at least twelve caves near the northern part of Annapurna, not far from the village. These caves are situated on the cliffs where many Buddhist paintings are found engraved on these caves.
Today is the day to explore the fascinating Chhoser village, which has its own historical significance. The trip is about 35-40 kilometers both ways and takes about 5-6 hours for sightseeing and exploration. Likewise Lo Manthang, these areas have high-altitude desert landscapes, unique rocky formations, and dramatic cliffs. Chhoser is famous for its amazing sky caves that have vertical rock faces and have existed for thousands of years. You can feel the ancient lifestyle of the kinds in these caves with authentic "Tibetan Culture", living next to the Tibetan border.
They stayed there to protect the valley as they have a good view to the valley. The weather remains dry with sunny skies but cool breeze during the day time. Always carry your camera with extra batteries to grab the pictures of your lifetime journey of Upper Mustang. After spending your day exploring the village and caves, you return to Charang.
Following breakfast, you will start your trip to Ghar Gompa, which is one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Upper Mustang. It is believed that this Gompa has existed in the early years of the 8th century. The round trip from Charang to Ghar Gompa to Charang takes approximately 5-6 hours. You will cross through the amazing valleys, desert hills, and craggy mountains that display the exact picture of the ruggedness of Upper Mustang.
The Ghar Gompa monastery is known for its breathtaking ancient paintings and historical association with Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhawa). It is belived that this Gompa covers the heart of Balmo, who is a female giant that Guru Rimpoche beat in a fight during the 8th century. This Ghar Gompa is now a popular pilgrimage site to feel the spirituality and seek blessings. You can see the amazingly painted walls that depict the stories and tales of Gods and Evil spirits. The weather is mostly dry and clear with amazing clear visibility of the mountains and valleys. After spending time exploring the history and geography here, you will return to Charang.
Today is the last day in Upper Mustang. Enjoy the remote striking topography of Upper Mustang and drive to Lower Mustang, where more greeneries are seen. Depending upon the road conditions and stops made during drive, it will take around 7-8 hours to reach Lete. The terrain gradually tansitions from dry desert high altitude mountains and rocky canyons to the beautiful river valleys, green forests, and fertile farmlands. As you descend gradually, you will surely feel the dramatic change in scenery, climate, and vegetation. You will witness the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Weather becomes warmer and comfortable. Once you reach Lete, you might feel the altitude sickness due to descend in the altitude. Hydration is the key during the tour to maintain your good health.
The final day of the Upper Mustang adventure is a scenic drive through the gorgeous Kali Gandaki Valley back to Pokhara. The drive will take you between 130 &150 kilometers in around 6-7 hours of driving over a mixture of paved highways and mountain roads. Lush green hills, terraced farmland, waterfalls, rivers, and quaint villages form a stark contrast to the barren landscapes of Upper Mustang during the drive down to Pokhara (822m).
The climate will change from that of Upper Mustang to a warm, humid climate with comfortable year-round temperature ranges as you get close to Pokhara. You will have another chance to view the spectacular Annapurna & Dhaulagiri mountain ranges before you arrive at Pokhara, Nepal's famous lakeside city. When travelling during your return from Upper Mustang by Jeep or bus, enjoy the various landscapes en route and take photos to create lasting memories of your Upper Mustang Tour.
Travelers sometimes prioritize their comfort. You can upgrade to premium accommodation to 4- or 5-star in Pokhara. This add-on can be done before starting the tour or after completing the tour. You can do Pokhara sightseeing if you have ample time to explore the serene nature of Pokhara with some adventurous activities.
Muktinath tour is an ideal add-on during Mustang tour as it is just a day away. Muktinath temple is a sacred place for Hindu and Buddhist devotees, where they go seeking salvation. Tourists from different parts of the world visit this temple to explore the nature and enjoy the adventure as well.
Some tourists prefer to go or return via flight in Jomson Airport. A few flights operate between Pokhara and Jomsom airport in the early morning hours due to strong winds that directly affect the schedule of the flights in the afternoon. This is one of the shortest mountain flights that takes around 15-25 minutes. During this mountain flight, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This add-on provides a faster, time-saving, and comfortable aerial option for the Upper Mustang Tour.
The climate of Upper Mustang is arid but windy. The clothing items and accessories help making the tour easy:
“A must-to-do visit to Upper Mustang while in Nepal.”
Mustang is famous as the last forbidden kingdom of Lo, situated in a remote region of the Himalaya of Nepal. It has its own spiritual significance as a sanctuary with unique Tibetan culture and legendary history. Mustang is a land of dramatic, mind-blowing landscapes. The off-the-beaten-path is recently been opened to visitors to explore the area of Upper Mustang, but still many places are restricted.
An amazing wonderland in Nepal is Upper Mustang, offering the most unique discovery experience of striking landscapes. This mystical region lies in the rain shadow areas of the gigantic ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, which allows you to explore this region even during the monsoon season. Once you reach Mustang, you will be dazzled by the rugged cliffs, barren hills with unusual, colorful rocks, deep valleys, and the extraordinary formation of caves. Popularly known as the “Forbidden Kingdom”, this area is completely desert.
Very few green areas with small habitats are settled here. The roads are bumpy and covered with local flora. You can see the horses still being used as a mode of transportation. The ancient culture and traditions of this region give you the vibe of Tibetan culture. The local food is authentic and scrumptious. This Himalayan Desert surely amuses you at every turn with the mind-blowing views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The climate is hot, but the wind makes it bearable.
Upper Mustang is rich in its cultural, historical, and political heritage. It is well-known as the beautiful kingdom of Lo Manthang. It is a small village where the palace with astounding architecture is surrounded by red colored high walls. Until 2016 BS, it was ruled by local monarchs for many centuries, preserving their own Tibetan traditions and customs. This place flourished as an important trading route between Tibet and Nepal. Because of these trade routes, the visitors got the opportunity to appreciate this place’s rich history and the long-lasting cultures. Not very recently, this area has been open to trekkers to explore. Even today, the local people still follow their culture and have been celebrating all their festivals in traditional ways. There are many chortens and mani walls within the village and along its perimeter.
Upper Mustang area is one of the remote areas of Nepal, near the border between Nepal and China. This area was restricted to foreigners till 1992, and only a limited number of tourists were given permission to explore this area with strict rules and regulations. Due to its remoteness, it is far away from the modernization of the world. Still afresh with the striking landscapes and cool environment, the Upper Mustang falls in the restricted region of Nepal. This has, in a way, maintained the intact structure and preserved the exotic nature and ancient culture of this Trans-Himalayan region.
Once you enter the Upper Mustang area, you will enjoy the spectacular backdrop of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Situated in the high-altitude valley, Upper Mustang Tour offers you the incredible views of the snowcapped peaks with varied landscapes. The travelers witness the deep river valleys with the windswept cliffs. The Kali Gandaki River popular as the deepest gorge in the world, separates these two giant peaks. These panoramic views are enjoyed from many viewpoints such as Jomsom, Marpha, and Kagbeni. These views create lifetime memories that inspire travelers from different corners of the world to explore and discover the charming Himalayas of Upper Mustang.
Muktinath is the sacred spot for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. “Mukti” means salvation, and “Nath” means Lord. So, this place is believed to grant moksha to the devotees visiting here. There are many myths for Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu mythology, there is a belief that Brahma, the creator of the universe, lit the eternal flames that are still burning in the Muktinath temple. Also, if you take a bath under the 108 bull-faced sacred water taps, it is believed that all your sins will be washed away and you will receive moksha (salvation) after death.
Similarly, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here and propagated the spiritual significance of Buddhism. Muktinath, since then, has been established as a powerful meditating site where visitors attain their spiritualism.
Despite restrictions on exploring Upper Mustang, this Hidden Kingdom is open for travelers all year round as it lies in the unique rain shadow area, which is surrounded by gigantic mountains. There is less rainfall, even during the monsoon season, compared to other regions of Nepal due to this topographic barrier. Also, the wind is extremely arid and dry, resulting in a climate in deserts.
Tiji Festival of Lo Manthang is a vibrant festival celebrated by the locals of Upper Mustang. This festival has made the Upper Mustang trek or tour a highly selected trip because of its preserved ancient culture and traditions. This is a three-day cultural festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, bringing peace, prosperity, stability, and protection to the people of Lo Manthang. The monks in colorful attire and masks perform different acts and rituals in sacred chants that enhance the spiritual atmosphere of this untouched Himalayan Empire. Many people, local as well as international travelers, attend this festival to experience the authentic Tibetan culture and acknowledge the lifestyle of Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang's caves and monasteries represent some of the most incredible cultural/historical Sites in the Himalayas due to their reflection of an ancient Tibetan Buddhist heritage and spiritual significance. Concealed within the remarkable cliffs of this desert (Himalayan) region and its arid valleys are spectacular examples of centuries-old "sky" caves used for various purposes (e.g., meditation, burial, and settlement), providing an aura of enchantment as evidence of a distant period of time. There are many monasteries, such as Lo Manthang, that are homes to monks where they pray and live.
The local people have taken care of the paintings and sacred texts for a long time. The people here still think monasteries are very important for worship and remembering their roots. These monasteries and mysterious caves together are key to make them realize their ancient beginnings. This combo shows a unique mix of untouched nature, centuries-old history, and pure spirituality that makes this place really special.
Jomsom and Kagbeni villages are the iconic settlements in the Annapurna region that serve as exploration routes to Upper Mustang. Jomsom is a windswept Himalayan town offering the dramatic views of rugged mountains and snowcapped peaks. This is also a major transit hub that connects Pokhara to Mustang. Also, this is the main gateway to the Upper Mustang and the Muktinath Temple. This village lies along the banks of the famous Kali Gandaki River. There is a small airport in Jomsom that offers scenic flights for travelers who wish to fly to Jomsom and continue the rest of the journey.
Likewise, Kagbeni is another entry point to the Upper Mustang and the Muktinath Temple, which is a centuries-old medieval village in the Mustang district. It is a beautiful rural community surrounded by rocky terrains where traditional mud houses are built with narrow alleyways. A better place to understand and indulge yourself in the local lifestyle of the Mustang people.
Upper Mustang Tour has many passes over 4200 meters. Acclimatization is very important to prevent altitude sickness. Charang, Lo Manthang, Chogo La Pass, etc., are situated above 2500 meters. Hydration is a must during the tour. If you start to experience signs and symptoms such as headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, then the first thing to do is descend to lower elevations. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol. If the symptoms do not resolve despite of hydration and descending to lower altitude, it is recommended to seek a doctor's evaluation.
Discover some of Nepal's most popular adventures, from Himalayan treks and scenic hikes to helicopter tours and cultural journeys.
The documents required for the Upper Mustang Tour permits are Passport Copy, Nepal visa, a passport-sized photo, and Travel/Medical Insurance. Once you send these documents to our team of Recreation Holidays, we submit them to the Immigration and Tourism Authorities for verification. As mentioned, the Upper Mustang Tour requires a special Restricted Area Permit. Once verified, permits are issued. Our team will receive and hand the original permit for the Restricted Area Permit with the ACAP permit and TIMS card, if required, to your guide. These permits are checked at different Checkpoints until your tour is completed.
This 9-day Upper Mustang Tour starts from Pokhara and ends in Pokhara. The accommodation is a lakeside hotel offering quick access to the lakeside restaurants and shops. It is usually a twin-bed room, including breakfast. However, similar B and B basis twin rooms in hotels, guesthouses, or lodges are arranged during the entire tour. These accommodations provide the basic amenities, offering a candid perception of the local mountain lifestyle.
Meals in Pokhara have many options of continental or traditional. Many hotels and restaurants are offering different cuisines. But in the mountains, Nepali or Thakali Cuisines are available in all the teahouses/guesthouses. Western options like pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, muesli, oats, noodles, soups, etc., are on the menu. You will enjoy the authentic taste of local foods that will maintain your energy throughout the journey.
Most teahouses/guesthouses in Upper Mustang provide Wi-Fi and device charging at an additional cost. As you ascend gradually to higher altitudes, the internet accessibility gets limited and expensive depending upon the location and network availability.
Most teahouses charge USD 1 to USD 5 per device. This is why carrying a fully charged power bank is highly advisable.
At Recreation Holidays, we always believe in transparency of cost that assists you in planning your budget without any surprises. Upper Mustang Tour is an off-beaten-tour. So, it is compulsory to be accompanied by a tour guide with permits.
| Tour Type | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Group Tour | Budget-conscious travelers | Lower cost due to shared expenses |
| Private Tour | Couples, families, friends | Higher cost with personalized services |
Yes, we provide the transport in a private vehicle to pick up and drop off our guests at Tribhuvan International Airport. On arrival, our representative will be waiting to greet you outside the arrival terminal, who will take you to your hotel, and after completing the tour, you will be dropped off at the airport.
Yes, most travelers must obtain a Nepal visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or any entry point to Nepal. Make sure you possess a passport with validity for a minimum of six months and one blank page in the passport for the stamping of a visa. Cash or card payments are accepted. Please visit our Nepal Immigration page for detailed information.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area that has been recently opened for travelers to allow exploring the region to some extent. Yes, solo travelers can join our group departure, but please inform us ahead of time about your traveling dates so that we can accommodate you in the scheduled group.
The Upper Mustang Tour usually comprises 2 to 6 travelers in a group. All the departures are scheduled as soon as the bookings are confirmed.
A booking for Upper Mustang Tour can be confirmed as soon as you fill out the form with your details. You have to secure your booking by depositing a 20% of the total tour cost. Once the deposit and the form are received, your tour is confirmed.
The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Nepal through card or cash.
The 20% deposit is non-refundable for any reason.
The Upper Mustang Tour is classified as an easy to moderate difficulty level for most travelers.
Yes, travel/medical insurance for Upper Mustang Tour is mandatory. Please ensure your insurance covers high-altitude emergencies, helicopter evacuations, and mishaps.
The ideal timing is spring season, which falls during March to May, and autumn season during September to November.
Hydration and hygienic foods are the key to preventing altitude sickness. Avoid alcohol. Maintain your steady pace. If any symptoms of altitude sickness are noted, inform your tour guide.
Twin-sharing rooms in teahouses/guesthouses are available with basic amenities.
Yes, mobile data is available in most of the regions, but Wi-Fi depends on the location. An internet connection is sometimes provided at an additional cost in the teahouses/guesthouses.
A wide range of meals with Nepalese, Indian, and Chinese dishes is available in the teahouses/guesthouses.
Tipping your guide or driver is customary. This shows your satisfaction with the services provided by them.
Yes, it is recommended to carry cash in Nepalese currency as ATMS are limited in remote areas.
